Recent player development expert turned short-time assistant coach, Steve Staios, has been named President of the newly-arrived Ontario Hockey League's (OHL) Hamilton Bulldogs, the Toronto Maple Leafs announced Friday morning.
The Bulldogs, who made the move from Belleville where they were formerly the Bulls, have poached the Leafs' skills specialist.
Taking Staios' place is Scott Pellerin, who has served as the Assistant Manager of Player Development since November, the team announced.
Pellerin will assume the role of Director of Player Development immediately, taking charge of a staff that includes skills coach Darryl Belfry.
Pellerin has previously worked with the Los Angeles Kings organization in developing their players through the Manchester Monarchs of the American Hockey League (AHL).
"We are truly thankful to Steve Staios for the valuable role he has played within the Leafs organization," said Assistant General Manager Kyle Dubas in a press release. "We are also excited for Steve as the Bulldogs set roots in his native Hamilton – he will serve that club and community incredibly well.
"We are equally excited to see the progression of Scott Pellerin into his new role in player development," Dubas added. "He has been a great addition since coming on board and his influence will only become greater with our young players."
The Bulldogs, led by owner Michael Andlauer, announced Staios, a Hamilton native, as the team's new boss on Friday morning at a press conference.
"The City of Hamilton has a rich hockey history and I’m excited to grow the OHL’s brand of Bulldogs hockey in this great community," Staios said.